JLC3DP Blog

Industrial & Manufacturing

3D Printed Heat Sinks: Design, Materials & Manufacturing

Key Takeaways 3D printed heat sinks enable complex fins, lattice structures, and internal cooling channels that are difficult for traditional manufacturing. 3D printing does not improve cooling performance; simple designs are often better suited to extrusion or CNC machining. Copper provides maximum thermal conductivity; aluminum balances performance, weight, and cost, with customizable anodized colors. Choose the manufacturing process based on design complexity, precision, and production volume. Post......

Nov 12, 2026

Software & Tools

STP to STL: How to Convert STEP Files for Printing

Key Takeaways STP to STL conversion is a one-way translation: a STEP file holds exact, editable CAD geometry, and converting to STL replaces it with a triangle mesh approximation — the STEP original should always be kept. A step file (.step and .stp are the same format) is the standard exchange format of the CAD world; it stores precise surfaces and design intent, not triangles. Converting is free and fast — CAD software export, desktop converters, and online tools all work — but the mesh quality is o......

Nov 11, 2026

Material Guides

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel: Choose a 3D Printing Route

Key Takeaways Stainless steel offers higher hardness, stiffness, and better resistance, while aluminum is lighter and conducts more heat. Neither material is always stronger. Strength depends on the alloy, temper or heat treatment, and manufacturing process. In the case of metal 3D printing, it also affects the quality of the parts and cost. The two technologies, SLM and Binder-jetting have different support needs, finishing steps, build sizes and costs. Real applications of Aluminum and stainless ste......

Nov 10, 2026

Metals

Common material in metal 3D printing: 316L Stainless Steel

As a representative austenitic stainless steel, 316L stainless steel is well-known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength and durability, and has become a key material in the field of 3D printing. 316L stainless steel can be used to print various parts with complex structures and is widely used in aerospace, medical equipment, petrochemical and other industries. Especially in the biomedical field, 316L is used to print human implants such as hip joints and dental restorations due to its exce......

Nov 09, 2026

Metal Printing

Metal Surface Polishing: Methods, Roughness & Ra Guide

Key Takeaways Metal surface polishing is not a cosmetic step—it is a controlled Ra reduction process that directly impacts friction, corrosion resistance, and coating adhesion. Different polishing methods are defined by achievable Ra ranges, not by process names. Mechanical, electrochemical, and mass finishing methods are not interchangeable—they operate in different geometry and production constraints. Selection rule: choose polishing method based on target Ra + geometry accessibility + production vo......

Nov 09, 2026

Safety & Maintenance

Why Metal 3D Printing Post-Processing Is the Real Bottleneck

The Complexity of Finished Parts In metal additive manufacturing, printing the part is actually the easy part. What comes off the machine usually isn’t ready to use yet. The surface can be rough, support structures are still attached, and the internal stresses from printing haven’t been relieved. Before that component can go anywhere near an assembly or a test bench, it needs several additional steps. This stage, metal 3D printing post processing, is where a lot of projects quietly slow down. Most eng......

Nov 09, 2026